Library

Gan (Sweet) and Ping (Neutral). It governs pathogenic factors, abdominal distension, heart pain, and diseases of lung qi stagnation. It promotes the free flow of urine and feces; the Lung is the source of water metabolism. It tonifies the Middle Jiao; sweetness can tonify the Spleen. It benefits Qi. The Lung governs Qi; tonifying the Lung increases Qi.

This treatment principle is based on shape correspondence. Baihe (Lily Bulb) is white and multi-petaled, its shape resembling the Lung. It blooms in early autumn and fully absorbs the Qi of Metal (Autumn), thus it serves to clear and tonify Lung Metal.

Xin (Acrid) and Wen (Warm). It governs leukorrhea with red and white discharge in women, blood obstruction, and vulvar swelling. These are conditions where Wind affects the Lower Jiao accompanied by Damp-Heat. It treats chills and fever, as Wind affects Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels. When Wind invades the upper orifices, it causes tearing from the eyes. It promotes skin growth and provides moisture, suitable for use as facial cream. When Wind causes dryness, removing Wind allows muscles to regenerate and become moist.

Generally, herbs that dispel Wind tend to consume Essence and Fluids. Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) is extremely aromatic, capable of dispelling Wind and drying Dampness; its texture is extremely smooth and moist, harmonizing and benefiting Blood vessels without causing consumption. Using it brings benefit without harm. Ancient physicians, knowing both the strengths and weaknesses of herb properties, then assessed patients' Qi and Blood, analyzed the root and branch of diseases, and integrated these factors to determine selection, thereby achieving obvious efficacy without hidden harm. This is what scholars must devote themselves to studying.

Ku (Bitter) and Ping (Neutral). It governs various Heat syndromes, such as Jaundice (Huangdan), which is stagnant Heat in the Large Intestine meridian. It treats intestinal diarrhea and dysentery, representing stagnation in the Large Intestine fu organ. It expels Water retention within the intestines. It promotes the passage of blood stasis, directing blood stagnated in the Yangming channel out through the stool. It treats malignant sores, carbuncles, ulceration, and fire burns. Yangming governs flesh/muscle; this herb eliminates heat-toxin diseases in the muscles.

This treatment principle is based on color and shape. Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) is hollow inside and yellow, acting on the Large Intestine, thus clearing various Heat diseases of the stomach and intestines. Yellow belongs to Earth and corresponds to the Spleen; the Large Intestence belongs to Yangming Dry Metal. Why does Huangqin's yellow correspond to the Large Intestine? Because the Stomach and Large Intestine are the pathways for intake and excretion of food and fluids, all governed by the Spleen. Furthermore, Metal often borrows the color of Earth. This meaning is detailed under the entry for Juemingzi (Cassiae Semen), and mutual reference makes it clearer.

Ku (Bitter) and Ping (Neutral). It governs stiffness of the waist and back, joint rigidity, alternating flaccidity and spasticity in generalized Bi syndrome, knee pain due to Cold-Dampness. It treats any pathogenic factors lodged between bone joints. It is particularly beneficial for the elderly. As the Elderly suffer from decline in Essence and Blood, the spaces between sinews and bones are especially unable to extend freely, making this herb particularly suitable for them.

This treatment principle is based on shape. Gouji (Cibotii Rhizoma) is covered in hair and has many nodes, resembling a dog's spine. Among animals, only dogs are cunning and agile, and this herb resembles them. Thus, it can enter the spaces between sinews and bones, remove stagnant Cold-Damp Qi, and make movement flexible, strong, and agile. Similar forms imply similar natures; the principles of things can be deduced from this.